“Bede’s didn’t just give me opportunities, it gave me confidence, belonging and a sense of belief. I’ve managed to secure a place at a Russell Group university, make life long friends, received one to one coaching on the football field, specialist teaching in the classroom and leadership opportunities in House.
So thank you, one day my aim is to give back to the Foundation that gave so much to me.”
Transformational Scholar, 2023 - 2025
Supporting & Guiding every Pupil in their Pursuit of brilliance.
Our Vision
Where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance
Our Mission
We continue to craft a more joyful education.
Cultivating a vibrant learning experience, motivating us to pursue our individual best.
Providing a festival of opportunity, enabling us to discover new passions and develop new talents.
Building a kind-hearted community, inspiring us to enhance the lives of others.
Our Values
Be Compassionate
Because a caring community fosters belonging.
We expect our community to show kindness to people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, maintaining campuses where every person feels joyful and energised.
Be Courageous
Because fortune favours the brave.
We challenge our community to stand up for what is right, providing them with a safe environment where they can take bold action in pursuit of brilliance.
Be Curious
Because wisdom can be found off the beaten track.
We encourage our community to discover unlikely passions and hidden niches, releasing them into a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Be Conscientious
We ask our community to throw themselves wholeheartedly into every endeavour, taking responsibility for their journey and inspiring others to do the same.
Welcome
At Bede’s, we are committed to providing educational opportunities for pupils, irrespective of their financial circumstances. Bede’s has long been a school recognised for its commitment to supporting children from a diverse range of backgrounds with a range of different talents and needs. We firmly believe that these transformational scholarships will not only transform the lives of their recipients but also increase the diversity of Bede’s, thus enriching every member of our community.
Bede’s has worked hard to carve out a strong reputation for helping those most in need, providing a place where every member of our community feels a strong sense of belonging and is thus able to flourish and succeed. For over a decade now we have awarded in excess of 20 transformational scholarships working with a range of partnerships. This programme has had a significant, positive impact, not only on the recipients of these scholarships but on pupils and staff across our community.
Each year we are approached by highly motivated pupils who are full of potential, and who, if given the opportunity of a Bede’s education, could achieve heights they never thought were possible, whether that be in sport, the arts or academically. Our peerless reputation for providing the highest standards of pastoral care has uniquely equipped us to unlock this type of potential.
Peter Goodyer CEO & Head
“When my headteacher suggested that I apply for a Bede’s Transformational Scholarship I thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity which I should just go for! Although I was nervous, the thought of potentially being a part of Bede’s made me want to try.
The application process included an in person interview, a tour of the School and a short test which included English and Maths. Everyone I encountered was friendly and welcoming which made the experience less nerve-wracking.
Compared to my previous school, Bede's is very full on, but as each week has passed things become easier and you find a new ‘normal’. The activities on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday are exciting breaks in the afternoon and something everyone looks forward to. The days are longer but we get more breaks to socialise with friends and specific study periods to work independently or in groups.
If you are thinking of a Bede’s Transformational Scholarship then go for it! The Bede’s community is very welcoming and unlike any other Sixth Form or College I have visited.”
Kayley Transformational Scholar
2023 - 2025
APlacetoCreate,AFuturetoShape
The Bede’s Sixth Form Experience
The transition from GCSE to Sixth Form study is the biggest educational leap most people undertake in their academic lives.
It is important that those approaching Sixth Form take their option choices seriously, selecting subjects that they both enjoy and are able to succeed in whilst leaving as many options open to them as possible as they head into further education or the workplace.
The Sixth Form provides an opportunity for pupils to develop both their study skills and individual self-discipline that will be essential throughout their lives. There will be opportunities for cocurricular, cultural and sporting activities alongside the academic programme, and Sixth Form pupils need to have high expectations of themselves.
As well as standard, timetabled lessons, staff welcome the opportunity to work with Sixth Formers individually to ensure that they understand concepts and are on course to succeed.
There is a dedicated team, based in the Sixth Form Centre, who are always available to lend a supportive hand. The team includes staff experienced in Higher Education and Careers guidance to help ensure that pupils have a supportive environment to plan their steps following school.
In addition to the academic sides of Sixth Form life, we work hard to integrate every pupil into the Sixth Form by arranging a number of social events throughout the year. These are very well attended and we hope they will help your child to both make new friends and feel that you are a valued member of the Bede’s community.
Every pupil is different, and each young person will face new, personal challenges over the coming two years. Bede’s is a place where pupils find the right motivation and commitment to reach their true potential and go onto succeed in their life post-school.
Deborah Franks Head of Careers & Employability
We take great pride in understanding each pupil’s future aspirations and providing the right personal advice, guidance and skill development opportunities, to support their early career journey.
Whether that be an academic university course, an international university, apprenticeship or directly into the world of work, seeing our pupils’ progress and suc- ceed on a courageous path that is right for them, is at the heart of everything we do.
For many pupils, the Sixth Form is where they can come alive. No longer is there a requirement to study a range of courses. Instead, the focus is usually on just three subjects in which a pupil’s interest should be absolute - along with additional opportunities to burrow into personal interests, the EPQ or Sports Leaders Awards.
At the heart of this is the Bede’s Diploma which has been designed to support the academic programme in thrilling ways.
At Bede’s we guarantee that all pupils will be challenged to be the very best they can be, to get the very most from each of their courses, and to leave school ready to face the infinite challenges of the professional world.
John Tuson Deputy Head
The transition from GCSEs into the Sixth Form is an important milestone, one of discovery and navigating a new sense of independence. As Head of Year, my role is to ensure that every scholar feels empowered to step outside their comfort zone, turning their individual talents into tangible achievements.
Our community is designed to support you in exploring your passions with confidence - in and out of the classroom, through the brilliant pastoral and academic team who genuinely care about your wellbeing.
Tameka Jackson Head of Sixth Form
“The joy of studying in the Sixth Form at Bede’s is in the breadth of experience. Not only can pupils expect world-class teaching and learning, but the seemingly endless supply of experiences outside the classroom mean pupils leave Bede’s having cultivated a whole range of skills and qualities.
Our Engagement programme of talks, workshops and trips, coupled with our regular focus on developing employability skills through the Bede’s Diploma, helps prepare our pupils for life beyond Bede’s. They will always remain Bedians, and we aim to arm our Bedians with the skills and knowledge they need to go into the world and succeed.”
Justin Sealey Director of the Sixth Form
For our pupils final year, we recognise the pressure of exams and future decisions. Through our comprehensive tutoring, UCAS and Careers programs, we ensure every pupil is on a personalised path. With ongoing support from mock exams to hundreds of study sessions, we help them confidently transition from school into the wider world.
Jacob Adlam Head of Sixth Form
Emily, Transformational Scholar 2025 - 2027
In September, I quickly learned the four values of Bede’s: to be Compassionate, Courageous, Curious, and Conscientious.
Joining a new school is daunting, but the compassion I found in Charleston House; from Mr M to my mentor, Noor, made it feel like home. I’ve been encouraged to be courageous, standing before you in assemblies to build confidence in this new environment. My curiosity has been sparked by teachers who truly care, allowing me to dive into Politics, History, and Maths not just for grades, but for meaningful growth. And I see conscientiousness every day in the quiet respect my peers show for our community, whether through sustainability committees or simply picking up litter.
My journey here wasn’t a straight line. I spent my early years in Brentford, navigating a rocky educational start where I attended three different primary schools while my family struggled to find stable housing. I faced a dyslexia diagnosis and significant academic gaps, but I never saw these setbacks as a reason to give up. Instead, they fueled my work ethic. Today, I stand here as an Academic Scholar.
I have seen inequality firsthand, and that is what fuels my passion. Whether as Chair of the Battle Town Youth Council or working with the WWF, I want to use my voice to empower others. At Bede’s, I’ve found a community that actually helps me do that. In just six months, I’ve joined the Model United Nations team, debated at The Hague, and next month, I’m
heading to Washington D.C. to see the epicentre of world politics.
But the greatest part of Bede’s isn’t the trips or the CV points; it’s the people. I am surrounded by friends like Mysha, Pippa, and Moon, people who are brilliant, driven, and kind. You have created a community where everyone is celebrated for being exactly who they are.
I am still the same Emily who is inspired by my youngest sister, Winter, and her joy despite living with cerebral palsy. But now, I am Emily the “Bedian”, someone who is supported by a powerhouse of mentors and friends. Because of the Oxbridge programme and the belief this school has in me, my dream of studying PPE at university feels within reach.
Thank you for teaching me to dream big and for giving me a community to catch me if I fall. I promise to use every skill and value I’ve learned here to make others’ lives better and to pay forward the incredible opportunity you have given me.
Thank you.
Procedure For Awarding Transformational Scholarship
A Transformational Scholarship offers 110% financial support and includes:
Registration fees
Acceptance deposit
Tuition Fees
Compulsory Sports Kit
School Bus Transport
Meals
Curriculum-based compulsory trips
One optional activity per term
Public examination fees (e.g. A Levels and BTECs)
Equipment necessary for academic study
We have specific criteria regarding the awarding of Transformational Scholarships, some based on a financial level, and other requirements focused on character, so that we can ensure that our decision can make the maximum impact. Pupils eligible for this programme must meet the following criteria:
The pre-conditions for admission are that:
• The applicant is of the appropriate age and sufficient maturity
• The applicant enjoys satisfactory general health
• The applicant’s learning difficulties and other special needs (if any) can, in the opinion of the Head, be managed within the school’s normal provision or can be met by the school making such reasonable adjustments as may be required.The pupil lives in the local area.
• The present school reports good attitudes and conduct on the part of the parents/guardians and applicant
How do we assess applicants for Transformational Scholarships?
• The primary caregivers of the pupil making the application should be eligible for or claiming universal credit. In the state school system these pupils are normally identified as eligible for ‘Pupil Premium’.
• The pupil and their siblings have studied solely in a state school setting.
• The pupil lives in the local area.
• The primary caregivers of the pupil and the pupil themselves can demonstrate that they would benefit from and fully take part in the wide range of both academic and co-curricular opportunities available at Bede’s and fully support the school’s ethos.
Academic Choices
BTEC
All of the courses available in the Lower Sixth at Bede’s from September are listed in this booklet. There is a wide variety of courses available which include A Levels and BTEC courses. Each course has its own entry requirements.
Most pupils will study three A Level or BTEC courses in the Lower Sixth (or a combination of both) and continue with all of these courses into the Upper Sixth.
Universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, advise against studying four A levels/BTECs. A three A Level/BTEC programme (with the possible addition of an EPQ) will offer the right balance to ensure pupils succeed. With the agreement of the Head of Sixth Form, depending on prior attainment, aspirations and subject choices, there are options to study more or less than this. An exception to this is Further Mathematics which is expected to be a fourth A Level.
All pupils will sit formal internal assessments at the end of the summer term in the Lower Sixth. Continuation onto an A Level course into the Upper Sixth requires that pupils demonstrate their ability to achieve at least a pass grade at the end of the two-year A Level course.
A Levels
To study an A Level programme, pupils at Bede’s need to have achieved six grades 9-6 at GCSE or equivalent. In addition, there are also specific requirements from individual courses which can be found in this detailed booklet.
The majority of A Levels follow a linear course over the two years of Sixth Form, with external examinations taken at the end of the Upper Sixth.
Certain courses, following the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) syllabus, will also include AS Levels that are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth.
Each A Level has ten hours of lessons over a fortnight and we would expect pupils to be undertaking a similar period of ten hours of independent study over the same period.
To study a BTEC programme, pupils at Bede’s need to have achieved five grades 9-4 at GCSE or equivalent. In addition, there are also specific requirements from individual courses which can be found in this detailed booklet.
For many pupils, BTECs offer a superb academic experience and can deliver exceptional results. BTEC courses are the equivalent of A Levels and are recognised by almost all of the leading universities.
Certain BTEC courses can be taken as ‘Double BTECs’ and are the equivalent of two A Levels.
BTEC courses are attractive to Sixth Formers who are capable of working at an advanced level but who are better placed to show their potential through coursework assignments than in traditional exams. Pupils are continuously assessed as they progress through the assignments and each assignment counts towards their overall grade.
Some BTEC courses will contain external examinations. An overall pass during the Lower Sixth is a requirement for continuation in to the Upper Sixth.
EPQ
The EPQ is an additional qualification available to Sixth Form pupils who are studying three A Levels/BTECs and involves independent research on a topic of your choice. The EPQ carries a significant number of UCAS points and is highly regarded by Universities.
Pupils will begin working on their EPQ during the Lower Sixth and usually continue until the start of the Upper Sixth, allowing EPQs to be included in University applications. The EPQ is optional but encouraged for all pupils at Bede’s.
FromAmbitionto Action
Entrance Threshold
The standard requirement for Sixth Form programmes is listed below. In addition to this, pupils must have passed at least one of English Language or Mathematics at GCSE.
For A Level courses we would expect pupils to achieve at least six 9-6 grades at GCSE. For BTEC courses we would expect pupils to have scored at least five 9-4 grades at GCSE.
The table below gives the breakdown of the minimum required grades to study that subject at Sixth Form.
Notes
Art A Level 6 Art-based subject
Biology A Level 7-7 Combined Science or 7 Biology 6 Mathematics
Business Cambridge International A Level
6 Business (or nearest equivalent) 6 English Language
Business BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Ceramics A Level 6 Art-based subject
Chemistry A Level 7-7 Combined Science or 7 Chemistry 7 Mathematics
Dance (Performing Arts) BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Design Technology A Level 6 Design Technology
Economics Cambridge International A Level
7 Business or 7 Economics. If not taken 7 English Language
English Literature A Level 6 English Literature & 6 English Language
French A Level 7 French
Further Mathematics A Level 8 Maths
Geography A Level 6 Geography (or nearest equivelant) 6 English Language
It may be possible for pupils to take Art A Levels with a lower GCSE profile; the Art Department will consider each pupil’s merits on an individual basis
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
It may be possible for pupils to take Art A Levels with a lower GCSE profile; the Art Department will consider each pupil’s merits on an individual basis
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
German A Level 6 German
History A Level
6 History (or nearest equivalent) 6 English Language
Latin A Level 7 Latin
Mandarin A Level 8 Mandarin
Marketing BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Mathematics Cambridge International A Level 7 Maths
Media BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Media Studies Cambridge International A Level 6 Media If not taken 6 English Literature
Music A Level 7 Music
Music Performance BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Many pupils begin German later; this is why the GCSE grade requirement is lower than for the other MFL subjects
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
A good level of algebra is required otherwise pupils will struggle with this course
A Grade 5 in Music Theory if GCSE Music has not been taken
Photography A Level 6 Art-based subject It may be possible to take Art A Levels with a lower GCSE profile; the Art Department will consider each pupil’s merits on an individual basis
Philosophy & Theology A Level
6 Religious Studies (or nearest equivalent) 6 English Language
Physics A Level 7-7 Combined Science or 7 Physics 7 Mathematics
Politics A Level
6 History (or nearest equivalent) 6 English Language
Production Arts BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Psychology A Level 6 Mathematics 6 English Language
Psychology BTEC 5 English Language 5 Mathematics A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Spanish A Level 7 Spanish
Sports Science BTEC A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE
Theatre Studies A Level 6 Theatre Studies
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
Pupils taking more than one essay-based subject (that is a humanity, or English Literature must have achieved grade 7 in those subjects
AFutureinEveryNote
Jack, Transformational Scholar 2024 - 2026
I am so grateful to the trustees, the staff of Bede’s, fellow students, parents, and, most importantly, the generous individuals who make Bede’s Transformational Scholarships a reality - together you have helped to change my life.
My journey to this school was not a given; it was an extraordinary gift, secured by the Transformational Scholarship I was so fortunate to receive. Before Bede’s, my world was naturally constrained. My aspirations were safe, practical, and often defined by the limits of what I could immediately see around me. This mindset was one of ‘Can I succeed at this?’- a question rooted in hesitation and a fear of failure. Truthfully, my previous attitude was often anti-education; I saw school as something to endure, and the idea of university felt unreachable.
My Transformational Scholarship didn’t just give me a new school; it fundamentally changed my relationship with knowledge, turning apathy into ambition and setting my sights firmly on higher education. When I stepped onto this campus, that road vanished, replaced by an expansive, unfolding map.
My Transformational Scholarship didn’t just pay for my fees; it paid for unprecedented access. Access to teachers who didn’t just instruct, but inspired; access to labs,
studios and fields, fuelling intellectual curiosity. And access to a community of peers who challenged me to think bigger and bolder every single day.
I found my home at Bede’s when I walked into the Music department. It wasn’t just that music was my “thing”, it was that the staff understood me and what my journey meant. They made time for me, talked to me in a way that I could relate to. At Bede’s, finally I fit. Bede’s has helped me to find that one thing that motivates me and encouraged me to build on that. This has given me the confidence and drive to open new doors and accept new challenges without fear, something I simply would not have done before.
The Transformational Scholarship has not just opened a door for me; it has elevated the entire horizon of my potential. It has taught me that my greatest limits were the ones I placed on myself, and that with the right support, community, and intellectual rigour, there is no goal too ambitious.
With this new mindset my focus changed. My old goals were about getting a good life, about safety and control; my new ambitions are about creating a positive impact, where I can better myself, do good and give back to others.
So thank you truly, you didn’t just give me a Transformational Scholarship; you gifted me a whole new future.
Roksana, Transformational Scholar 2025 - 2027
When I first found out that I had been awarded a Transformational Scholarship at Bede’s, I felt a mixture of excitement, gratitude, and honestly, fear. Moving into a completely new environment, especially one so different from anything I had known before, was overwhelming at first. I was stepping into an independent school with new expectations, new people, and a whole new way of learning. It felt like I was entering a different world.
At the beginning, everything felt unfamiliar. The school culture, the routines, the teaching style, and even the conversations around me were different. I worried about whether I would fit in, whether I would be able to keep up, and whether I truly belonged. Making new friends was especially challenging at first, but the house system and activity time really helped. I want you to know that this first term has been a challenge, but that it has taught me to persevere and believe in myself as much as this community has embraced and believed in me.
Alongside the challenges, there have been so many positives. I’ve been exposed to new experiences I never imagined having. From fun activity times laughing and joking with new friends to clubs, events, and opportunities beyond the classroom, I’ve been able to explore new interests and step outside my comfort zone. I have gone from a shy, intimidated new girl to a strong empowered Charleston House Prefect, who is a pupil leader for the Women in Leadership Conference. I have come to realise that Bede’s is a clever community which carefully balances moments of
fun and creativity with the pressures of academics, which helps to make school life more enjoyable and allows you to grow in every sense. This journey for me has not been straightforward, it’s been difficult and emotional, draining but exhilarating and now I’m starting to feel like I belong and understand how Bede’s could help me be a version of myself who before I probably wouldn’t have imagined.
This Transformational Scholarship has given me opportunities that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It has opened doors not just academically, but personally. I’ve grown more independent, more resilient, and more hopeful about my future.
I would like to end by saying a sincere thank you to the trustees and donors who have made my journey possible. Your generosity has changed my life in ways that are difficult to put into words. You didn’t just fund my education, you believed in my potential and in my family.
My mum moved from Poland to provide a better future, so thank you for building on that dream and making it a reality. You have not just rewarded my hard work but hers too and for that I will be forever grateful. So thank you, for giving me the chance to learn, grow, and dream bigger. One day I hope to give towards a Bede’s Transformational Scholarship myself because I know how truly life changing that this experience is.
Curiosity...Shaping tomorrowbybeing
ALeapTowards Opportunity
Choosing Sixth Form Options
Sixth Form Curriculum
The Sixth Form curriculum is divided into four timetable blocks. Flexibility is our priority and we make every effort to accommodate all option requests. Sometimes, not all combinations of subjects are possible, and equally sometimes, they are not desirable.
Every attempt will be made to offer the full breadth of courses, however the School reserves the right to limit places if the demand is high or to withdraw courses if numbers are low.
Choices will be requested at the end of Autumn Term to allow planning to be considered. Changes to these choices (for example, following GCSE results) are possible depending on availability and the agreement of the Head of Sixth Form (Academic).
Universities and Careers
The Careers and Employability Department at Bede’s supports pupils to find the right path for them after their time at Bede’s -whether that is going to university or a specialist institution, studying abroad, taking an apprenticeship, a gap year or entering into the world of work.
We guide pupils to make informed decisions about their future by offering tailored information, advice and guidance. This includes, opportunities to meet employers and industry experts, to broaden and inspire pupils’ plans for life beyond Bede’s. We support pupils with their subject choices and their future higher education plans, offering guidance in the university applications process whether through UCAS or other international institutions.
It is important to note that different universities may have differing demands and, as such, it is advisable to check if you are considering a particular course at a specific university.
Degree Courses
The information on the opposite page provides some general guidance on the requirements for common degree courses. Please note that this is broad guidance and you should contact the Sixth Form team for more specific information on subjects.
“Bede’s offers an exciting curriculum designed to educate, engage and enthuse. We want our pupils to develop into being independent, reflective learners who have the skills to succeed in life beyond school.
Our Sixth Form curriculum provides pupils with an opportunity to explore existing or new passions. Along with the remarkable breadth of courses that pupils can choose from, there’s a supportive Sixth Form, Universities and Careers team to help pupils in their transition to higher education and the world beyond studying.
This is an exciting time for pupils, who can flourish in subjects that they have chosen. Alongside the dynamic Bede’s Diploma, and a whole range of other opportunities, the next two years are likely to be remembered for many years to come.”
Nicholas Abrams Assistant Head: Academic
Degree Courses
Degree Essential Subjects
Desirable Subjects
Accountancy None Mathematics, Business or Economics
Architecture Mathematics usually essential Physics or an art-based subject
Art & Design
Arts-based subject plus a portfolio
Biology Biology Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Business & Marketing
Chemistry Chemistry & another science or Mathematics
Business, Marketing, Economics, Mathematics
Classics Latin and/or Greek History, English, MFL
Computer Science IT & Mathematics
Dentistry Chemistry Biology & Mathematics
Drama English or Drama
Economics Mathematics usually essential Economics
English
English Literature
Other essay based subjects
Engineering Mathematics plus one science A second Science
History History Essay based subjects
Law Essay based subjects
Mathematics Mathematics & sometimes Further Mathematics Physics
Media Studies
Media Studies
Medicine Chemistry Biology & Mathematics
Modern Foreign Languages Language Second Language
Music Music plus a grade 7 or 8 in main instrument
Nursing Biology & another science Psychology or Chemistry
Pharmacy Chemistry Biology & Mathematics
Philosophy None Mathematics, Philosophy
Physical Sciences Physics & Mathematics A second science or Further Mathematics
Physiotherapy Biology or Psychology Physical Education
Politics History, Politics, English Lit, Economics, MFL
“You haven’t just changed my school; you have changed my future. Bede’s has empowered not only me but my family. I am becoming the role model that I want to be, to my friends, my siblings and hopefully one day to other young people. The opportunity that you have given me is one that one day I hope to be able to pass on to someone else. You are creating a ripple effect and that ripple effect is real.”
Transformational Scholar 2025 - 2027
“My Transformational Scholarship has not just opened a door for me; it has elevated the entire horizon of my potential. It has taught me that my greatest limits were the ones I placed on myself, and that with the right support, community, and intellectual rigour, there is no goal too ambitious.”
Transformational Scholar 2024 - 2026
Bede’sZoo,WhereaJourneyBegins
Kayley, Transformational Scholar
2023 - 2025
When I joined Bede’s after finishing my GCSE’s, I knew it was a special opportunity that not everyone would be given. Although I was understandably nervous when I first arrived, the support I felt from the girls in my house was incredible. Bloomsbury quickly became a home away from home, and anyone who visited would say the same.
We looked out for each other, celebrated each other’s achievements and included each other in everything. We really, really cared for each and every individual in our house. So much so that we all still keep in touch, even though they are all over the country at different universities or some are even travelling across the world as part of their gap years. I feel so privileged to be able to say that at Bede’s I have truly made friends for life.
I especially enjoyed the support given from our tutors, having one to one sessions during the week meant they were constantly in the loop, and they made sure that any problem was dealt with no matter how big or small. My teachers too made an enormous impact on my learning. Their enthusiasm, genuine love for their subject and one to one support was unlike anything I had experienced before. They truly cared about us as individuals, not just students completing their work, it’s this care and attention which has helped to get me to where I am today.
I am currently on my gap year, working in my old secondary school in the SEND department, working hard to give back to my community and learn more about education from a professional perspective. I plan to begin a career in primary school teaching and have a place at the University of Sussex to pursue this in September 2026; but Bede’s taught me to believe in myself without question and aim high so I am taking this time to re-explore my options and decide exactly what the right path is for me.
Every day I see young people with so much potential, and I am reminded of how lucky I was to have been given this opportunity. A place where I learned courage, curiosity and was given the tools to believe in myself.
Finally, I just want to say thank you to everyone who supports and contributes to the Bede’s Transformational Scholarships. What you’re doing doesn’t just give someone a place at a great school, but gives them confidence and a sense of belonging which lasts long after they leave.
It’s difficult to put into words just how much being at Bede’s has meant to me. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given here, and I hope that many more students can experience the same in years to come.
Thank you.
Bede’s Diploma
The Bede’s Diploma is our way of unifying and formalising the myriad of experiences Bede’s Sixth Form pupils will have in their two years here. Bede’s, by its very nature, seeks to develop pupils beyond the confines of the classroom in everything that happens here, from House charity events to Future’s Week and our range of additional qualifications. The Diploma is the umbrella that brings it all together, and we organise this into four sections.
The Extend section encourages all pupils to undertake an additional qualification, alongside their three A Levels or BTECs. For many, this is the EPQ - an academic research project on a topic of their choice, sometimes even culminating in an artefact or experiment to test out a hypothesis. This is worth UCAS points and is an excellent preparation for University study. Other pupils take the Sports Leaders Award, developing their coaching skills, or the Gold Arts Award where performance is the main focus.
EXTEND ENGAGE ENHANCE
We also look beyond the confines of the School, with our Engage section, which requires pupils to complete twenty hours of voluntary work - ten in school and ten outside it - throughout their Sixth Form career. Many opportunities arise in the course of the year, such as working on reading with primary school children, running sports events for community groups and attending beach cleans, but pupils are also encouraged to set up their own voluntary work.
ENLIGHTEN
The Enlighten section is our way of encouraging pupils to attend, and reflect upon, a number of talks and workshops. These talks are organised both within the Sixth Form team and by departments - pupils are encouraged to attend ten across their time in Sixth Form, learning about everything from road safety to the idea of everyday sexism.
Finally, the Enhance part of the Diploma seeks to tie all of the other sections together - in this section, pupils reflect on how they have developed themselves in a range of soft skills and vital qualities- with a particular focus on communication, teamwork and leadership. This record then forms the basis of a university application, covering letter or CV.
The Bede’s Diploma is essentially a formalisation of the wide-ranging and fulfilling experience of attending the Bede’s Sixth Form, with the goal of helping pupils become citizens of the world.
What If They Came To Bede’s?
TheirVoice DeservesaStage
Joe, Transformational Scholar
2023 - 2025
I joined Bede’s in the summer and the warm, relaxed atmosphere made everything feel welcoming. Coming from a local state secondary it took a little while to get used to the different lesson timings and the focus on afternoon sports and activities, but I was excited for the change. The welcoming environment and the support from my Housemaster, Mr Pianet made me feel I was home almost immediately.
My Transformational Scholarship opened doors for me that simply would not have been possible otherwise. One of my fondest memories is the football tour to Lisbon. Training at the Benfica ground and exploring Portuguese culture with my closest friends was an unforgettable experience. Beyond the pitch, the smaller class sizes have been a game-changer for my academics. The supportive environment allowed me to form close relationships with my teachers. My Economics teachers, Miss Jackson and Mr Mckeefrey, gave me so much one to one support, which boosted my confidence in a brandnew subject. Similarly, Miss Newbery helped me excel in my BTEC Sport, providing extra sessions that helped me achieve a Distinction Plus.
Bede’s has pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me to grow both personally and academically. I’ve discovered a passion for the gym and a deep interest in Consumer Behaviour, which I plan to study as part of an International
Business degree at university. I have learned to balance self-motivation with knowing when to ask for help; a skill I’ll definitely carry into my career.
The community here is inclusive and diverse, which made it easy for me to be myself. I found a great group of friends who share my drive. Surrounding myself with motivated peers has pushed me to achieve more in every area of school life.
To those who made my scholarship possible: thank you. Your generosity has changed my life. Being at Bede’s has equipped me for university and beyond, helping me to grow into a more independent, confident person, all while making life long friends.
To anyone considering applying for a scholarship, I would say go for it. You have nothing to lose and a world of opportunity to gain. In ten years time, I hope to be successful enough to give back to Bede’s so that another pupil can have the same incredible start in life that I did.
Am I eligible for a Transformational Scholarship?
The primary caregivers of the pupil making the application should be eligible for or claiming universal credit.
The pupil and their siblings have studied solely in a state school setting.
The pupil lives in the local area.
The primary caregivers of the pupil and the pupil themselves can demonstrate that they would benefit from and fully take part in the wide range of both academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Alfie, Transformational Scholar
2025 - 2027
Before coming to Bede’s, I had the ambition and the drive, but I didn’t always have the pathway. It was my mum who pushed me to apply to Bede’s, to dare to dream bigger and believed in me to be the best that I can be. My parents believe in the power of Bede’s, and what it is doing for me and my whole family as well as my football journey.
I came from Gildrege House which I had been at since Reception. Coming to a new school, one with such an outstanding reputation in academics and sport was slightly unnerving to say the least. The work that Bede’s did to make me feel at home, started before the term did, with a football tour to the Netherlands. That made turning up in September a lot less daunting, as did the teambuilding, the socials and introductory classes. If I had a fear of standing out, of not feeling like I belonged it vanished fast.
I thought that the sheer scale of the school and the facilities it has would intimidate me. The size of the campus, the classrooms and MPH, the professional level pitches and gym. But walking out onto the football pitch as part of the first team or into the classroom, I feel motivated and inspired and that is because I feel like I belong here.
For me, sport has always been my passion. Being at Bede’s has granted me greater access to play football at a higher level. Training here isn’t just about the game; it’s about discipline, teamwork, and pushing my limits. But that discipline has bled into my academic life as well. Because of the structure here, I am becoming more organised, managing my studies and my training with a focus and independence that I didn’t know I possessed.
I’ve learnt throughout my first term that Bede’s isn’t just amazing buildings and facilities, it’s the people that are amazing too! The academic rigor is high, but I never feel like I am drowning. My teachers go above and beyond to give me one to one support, ensuring that I truly understand the material and can strive for top grades. It is a rare feeling to know that so many people are invested in your success. I feel supported and looked after, not just as a student, but as a person.
When I look at the trajectory of my life now compared to a year ago, the difference is huge. I now feel like I have support with my next steps, it’s not just scary like it was before. Being a Transformational Scholar has opened up a world of opportunities—to learn, to lead, and to grow. I feel like doors have opened for me which otherwise would not be available, and I intend to go through every single one of them.
My journey would not have been possible without the generosity of the Bede’s Foundation donors and trustees. It is one thing to have a dream, but it is another thing entirely to have so many people believe in you enough to fund that dream. So, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank those people for this opportunity. You haven’t just changed my school; you have changed my future.
Bede’s has empowered not only me but my family. I am becoming the role model that I want to be, to my friends, my siblings and hopefully one day to other young people. The opportunity that you have given me is one that one day I hope to be able to pass on to someone else. You are creating a ripple effect and that ripple effect is real.
PowerThroughSport
Step By Step Guide to Applying
Step by step guide to the application process:
Applicants who meet the means tested criteria are invited to take part in a selection process designed to identify those with the potential to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Trust.
Step
1: Initial visit
Applicants visit the School for a tour and introduction from our Registrar or member of the Admissions Team to assess whether the Trust is a good fit for you.
Step
2: Registration
When registering, please indicate on the Registration Form that you would like your child to be considered for a Transformational Scholarship and ensure your child completes an ‘All About Me’ form
Step 3: Complete Statement of Financial Circumstances Form
Submit your Statement of Financial Circumstances Form along with any other supporting evidence requested. If you are deemed eligible, at this point you will be asked to provide all of the necessary supporting documents.
Step
4: Home Visit
In some circumstances a home visit may be undertaken by Bursary Administration Limited to check a families’ suitability for application.
Step 5:
Interview
Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview with the Transformational Scholarship panel, complete Yellis testing and meet with the Head for an informal chat.
Step 6:
Offers
Successful applicants will be notified and receive their offers in writing. This offer is held until a specified deadline, by which time parents must make a decision. To firmly accept your child’s place, you will need to return the Acceptance Form, Terms and Conditions, Medical Form, school reports, birth certificate and copy of the child’s passport. This must be done by the deadline we give you – otherwise we cannot guarantee your child a place.
Step 7: Transition meetings and events
There will be school transition meetings and events in the summer term for pupils and their families who are joining in September with key pastoral staff including the Sixth Form and House teams. A detailed Joining Pack will be provided in the spring or early summer prior to your child starting at Bede’s. The pack is full of information about joining the School, including details of transport, uniform, school rules and the Behaviour Policy and will include some forms to complete including academic option forms if relevant. For Senior School applications, Parents are welcome to express a preference for a particular Day or Boarding House but the School makes the final decision on House allocation.
Step 8: Confirmation of a place
On GCSE results day if applicants have successfully met the academic requirements for their selected courses they will be admitted to the Sixth Form.
Our 110% Transformational Scholarships are designed for pupils who without economic support could not attend Bede’s. We recognise that offering this opportunity truly changes lives. But we do not act solely from financial information. By looking at the character of prospectiveTransformational Scholars, we make sure that the pupils we choose will be those who will engage with the wide array of extra curricular opportunities, so that they can truly reach their full potential and make the most of their time at Bede’s.
Your Questions Answered
How many Transformational Schollarships is Bede's aiming to give?
Our aim is to have five Transformational Scholarship holders starting each academic year in the Sixth Form by 2029.
How does Bede's select those receiving a Transformational Scholarship?
Bede’s is careful to select pupils whose lives will be truly transformed by attending the School. The process for applying to the School balances sensitively with rigour. A wealth of circumstances are taken into account including a families’ financial situation, a child’s potential and current achievement, performance on a Bede’s Experience Day and likely contribution to the wider School.
How will the recipients of a Transformational Scholarships integrate and thrive at Bede's?
We understand that pupils may face an array of challenges when they arrive at Bede’s. As a result of the Trust’s long standing experience in this area and unrivalled pastoral provision through the dedication of specific staffing and resources, we will ensure that every pupil thrives and is able to take hold of every opportunity the community has to offer.
Will the Trust make public who has received a Transformational Scholarship?
This is very much dependent on the wishes of the families receiving these scholarships. What is most important is that every Transformational Scholar is able to thrive here at Bede’s and feel comfortable.
How do Transformational Scholarships sit alongside other types of awards such as scholarships?
Bede's remains wholeheartedly committed to our rigorous scholarship process. Scholarships are awarded in recognition of pupils who excel academically or in their chosen field of drama, art, music, dance or sport and carry a small non-means tested fee remission. Finances for Transformational Scholarships are ring-fenced and are awarded solely in a means-tested manner. Occasionally a Transformational Scholarship is awarded to a pupil who has also achieved a scholarship. In such cases the value of the scholarship is reduced by the value of the scholarship.
Why do we impose these criteria for entry onto each course?
These barriers exist in order to try to make sure that pupils take courses in which their chances of success are the highest. A Level and BTEC courses impose certain demands upon those that follow them: we do not believe that it is ethical to allow pupils to start courses if their previous record of achievement suggests that their chances of success are severely limited. Our aim is to ensure pupils are best placed to be able to succeed in applying to university or other pathways. To put them on the wrong courses would be to not only limit their aspirations but also to put a ‘brake’ on the progress of other pupils.
Do other schools and colleges impose similar barriers to entry for Sixth Form courses?
Yes, the overwhelming majority of schools and colleges do. Certainly, there will be establishments that will allow pupils to start such courses with lower grades than we expect at Bede’s. However, our experience suggests that the grades we request are reasonable and realistic, and that pupils who are permitted to start courses for which they are not qualified are unlikely to be able to complete those courses successfully.
Will you make exceptions?
No. It is our belief that these requirements are fair, and balanced. That said, these criteria enable a variety of different routes, enabling each pupil to find their right path. Ultimately, we want all pupils to be able to study the right courses.
Why are the thresholds for entry to BTEC courses lower than those for A Level courses?
The assessment in BTEC courses is on-going, enabling pupils taking such courses to be much more closely monitored as they undertake these courses. In addition, this model of continuous assessment suits some pupils better than a terminal exam – as seen in A Levels and most GCSEs.
If a pupil has not completed a GCSE programme, or has only completed a limited GCSE programme, can they still access the Sixth Form at Bede’s?
Each pupil will be considered within the context from which they have applied to join the Sixth Form. The same principle holds true, however: pupils need to have demonstrated the aptitude to approach the courses that they wish to follow.
The School reserves the right to guide all pupils towards specific courses if, in our opinion, the pupil’s best interests are served by following a particular programme.
Part 2: References & Evidence
Evidence
• The applicant’s motivation and interest in applying to Bede’s
• How the applicant would fully take part in both the academic and co-curricular opportunities on offer at Bede’s
Part 3: Final Check-List
Please tick to confirm you have included the following documents with your Transformational Scholarship application:
Required
1 Subject-specific reference (eg by current DT Teacher.)
2 A side of A4 on applicant’s motivation
3 Predicted GCSE results
Please return your Transofrmational Scholarship application to:
Admissions Team
Bede’s Senior School
Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH
Included with this form:
Our Terms and Conditions
All Transformational Scholarship candidates are judged on their ability to fulfil the criteria set out. We reserve the right not to make an award if there are no candidates judged to be of a sufficient standard. Feedback will be given to applicants if asked, this will be in writing but can be followed up with a phone call if requested by the candidate.
A Transformational Scholarship is worth 110% of fees and includes the following:
• Registration fees
• Acceptance deposit
• Tuition Fees
• Compulsory Sports Kit
• School Bus Transport
• Meals
• Curriculum-based compulsory trips
• One optional activity per term (e.g. sailing, LAMDA, music lessons etc.)
• Public examination fees (e.g. A Levels and BTECs)
• Equipment necessary for academic study
• Additional learning enhancement lessons and any associated assessments
Transformational Scholarships are tenable throughout a pupil’s school career - subject to the continued adherence to the criteria set out above.
Transformation Scholarships are reviewed annually and we reserve the right to withdraw any scholarship should the candidate’s financial circumstances change or if, in the opinion of the Head, the recipient’s conduct at school falls below the standard expected, in accordance with the School’s terms and conditions.
In order to process applications for Transformational Scholarship places, your application and any data detailed within it will be processed and stored by relevant members of St Bede’s School Trust Sussex as detailed in the ‘Step by Step Guide On Applying’ on page 20 of this booklet. For example, the Admissions Team, Head, Bursar. In order that all candidates are judged rigorously against our criteria outlined on page 18 as detailed in ‘Step 4: Home Visit’ we will share your application and any data detailed within it with Bursary Administration Limited. Further information about how they share, process and store your data can be found here.
Any data shared, processed and/or stored by St Bede’s School Trust Sussex will be done so in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (2018). We take the privacy of our Transformational Scholarship candidates incredibly seriously and ensure that all applicants and their data are treated with the utmost care, sensitivity and respect. Our Privacy Policy is available here, if you would like further information on how we handle and protect your data please contact: gdpr@bedes.org
Contact Details
For all general Transformational Scholarship enquiries, please contact:
The Admissions Team
Tel +44 (0) 1323 356600 admissions@bedes.org
For further information, to arrange an online meeting or a personal visit, please contact our Registrar, Richard Mills.
E: richard.mills@bedes.org
T: 01323 356602
Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, East Sussex BN27 3QH, United Kingdom
